It?s Open Season on Feral Swine

November 7, 2007 — 

Wisconsin and Ohio officials have declared open season on feral swine. Hunters in both states are encouraged to harvest any feral swine they encounter.

These nuisance animals may be legally harvested year-round by hunters with a valid Ohio hunting license or by landowners on their own property. Likewise, there is no closed season or harvest limit on feral pigs in Wisconsin. They may be killed at any time during the year, as long as those pursuing them have a valid small-game license and permission of the landowners where they intend to hunt.

"Our goal is to aggressively remove these animals from the landscape and we are encouraging any hunters who encounter them to shoot them on sight," said Brad Koele, a wildlife biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Feral swine populations continue to expand nationally. USDA reports evidence of feral swine in at least 32 states.